American Journal of Educational Research, 2018, Vol. 6, No. 2, 133-136 Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/6/2/7 ©Science and Education Publishing DOI:10.12691/education-6-2-7

Developmental Projects in Calapan City, : Localization Perspectives

Christian Anthony C. *, Jesse T. Zamora

Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental , Philippines *Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract The world is a global village. Every country is facing the changes and opportunities attributed by population explosion, advancement in technology, more intense economic competitions, paradigm shifts, innovations and expanding role of civil society in social economic development. There have been many accomplishments by member countries of the said global village. The progress achieved is attributed to many factors. Discipline may be one of them. The presence of abundant natural resources may be another. Still, the presence of sound, mature and brilliant leadership from the national to the lowest political may be a decisive factor, too. At any rate, the fact stands that different countries are constantly surging ahead. Thus, the study determined the localization perspectives on developmental projects in Calapan City. Philippines. The respondents were the 62 chairpersons in the city. The data from the survey instrument were analyzed using weighted mean. The study found out that the center of all economic and social developmental projects and programs were community leaders or barangay chairperson. They planned, decided, implemented and managed all economic activities. Imbued with the right attitudes, values, knowledge and skills, they could create economic miracles. The magnitude of the overwhelming tasks and leadership of barangay chairperson resulted to sustainable development that was characterized by an environment of peace, cooperation, unity, understanding, respect, equity and social justice. Dynamic barangay chairpersons were transparent, responsive and efficient who are honest, professional and competent in their objective. Their challenging job was to balance the competing demands and expectations of multi-sectoral group. Keywords: barangay, economic, social developmental projects, localization perspectives Cite This Article: Christian Anthony C. Agutaya, and Jesse T. Zamora, “Developmental Projects in Calapan City, Philippines: Localization Perspectives.” American Journal of Educational Research, vol. 6, no. 2 (2018): 133-136. doi: 10.12691/education-6-2-7.

barangays. The total area devoted to agriculture and fishing is about 18,607.8 hectares, 1,300 hectares of which 1. Introduction are utilized for inland fishing and the rest for agriculture [1]. Thousands of development projects are presently As the seat of provincial government and center of underway throughout the country to achieve progress. Any trade, commerce and education, Calapan City plays a vital movement supports research into appropriate technology, role in the growth and development of . disseminates information and operates programs in food Its conversion to cityhood now provides a better production, health and nutrition, mother-and-child health, environment with a much-improved venue for the delivery agriculture and ecology. of basic services to all Mindoreños and in general has In order to accomplish the goal of development, become an effective vehicle to further address socio- barangay chairpersons in Calapan City, Philippines have economic opportunities for the province. to tap external resources for professional and technical Calapan City, is the capital of Oriental Mindoro, an assistance or networking, continuity, recognizing that island, which faces the southern coast of non-governmental and people's organizations are effective province. With the increase in population due to the rapid partners in development or tripartite strategy and the paradigm increase of migration of inhabitants, especially from of citizen participation is key to effective governance. , Calapan City is gradually expanding in land. It has Calapan City is located in the northeastern coast of shown rapid progress in various industries especially in island of Mindoro in the Philippines. It is bounded of the farming, lumbering, commerce, trading and fishing. Side north and northeast by the bay of Calapan City on the by side is the economic development and advancement, it south by the town of and on the west by the town surpasses the status of being a marketing venue. Side by of Baco. It has a total area of 217.30 square kilometers. side in the economic development and advancement, it The built-up area of the city is about 563 hectares in the surpasses the status of being marketing venue. As a result city center and 325 hectares scattered through the rural of autonomy of local government unit, sixty-two (62)

American Journal of Educational Research 134

Barangay Chairperson together with their councilors work dynamic mechanism for democratic action in the together for the development of Calapan City. attainment and promotion of community interested goals. Government framework, the barangay is a necessary part of the whole. They are considered “instrument for 2. Methodology fostering collective political culture where it used to be populist, nationalist it used to be personalist, and humanist The study utilized the descriptive research to determine is used to be individualist”. In other words, the barangays the localization perspectives on developmental projects in provide the link between the political authority and the Calapan City. Philippines. The respondents were the 62 governed where both could be mutual partners in the barangay chairpersons in the city. Complete enumeration various aspects of national existence. was considered in the study. The data from the survey The Local Government Code describe the barangay as instrument were analyzed using weighted mean. the primary planning and implementing agent of government programs like the irrigation system, electrification, school buildings, roads, cooperative, rural 3. Results and Discussion health clinic, another infrastructure developmental programs [2]. Historically, the barangay today an indigenous as its In short, the National Government gives more attention ancient prototype, yet has grown to be a solid modern and importance to the barangay as the base of the foundation of the whole government structure. It has country’s economic structure. To attain this, the barangay become one of the firm pillars of our truly democratic shall be given authority to implement development project political system. From time of its rebirth at the onset of and programs under the guiding principles of people martial law up to the present, it has achieved success in power and self-reliance. many activities, programs and projects for the good of it In order that the barangays could perform effectively people and the whole nations. and successfully their role as the primary planning and However, in spite of the nurture and care of the national implementing units of the government programs and leadership to the barangay, there are still many things to projects, barangay captains, council members and other be desired and hoped for about their improvement. Many officers should be provided with guidelines from the problems still stalk the barangays, especially those in the extension workers of government agencies and remotest areas. Some urban barangays are hotbeds of teaching material from which they could learn the criminality. There are many barangays in the country management principles and developmental techniques of today whose administration is below par. They have not implementation. They should undergo rigid training to functioned well to the expectation of their people. Many monitor to their respective barangay, what they have barangay captains, councilmen, and other officials have learned about the benefit of the project or program, they not had the training and experience to know the intricacies ways and steps by which it is implemented, and the and administering barangay affairs. And their ignorance, safeguards against failure of the program. indifference and corruption’s of some of their leaders it The government has already gone far in undertaking results the slowdown the momentum of government training activities not only for the barangay leaders but programs and project intended to advance social and also for small entrepreneurs and all the residents in the economic well-being of the barangays. locality. But these are not enough. These activities must Many politicians spoiled the good values of the rural- be continuing effort of the government to make barangay folks with liberal dole-outs. They were given money effective planners and implementers of government during election campaigns. Many receive wages as programs, projects and activities. Barangay officials unskilled laborers in public works project even though would then more qualified to be part of the honest and they did not actually work. Community development brave effort to change the attitude and character of their projects were constructed without the participation of the people from depending self-reliance. barrio people. As a result, they have become very Table 1 presents the economic developmental projects dependent on the government even for unimportant of the barangay chairperson of Calapan City in terms of problems. Because of that situation many of the people in trade and industry. The respondents perceive the overall barangay have always asked from the government for the mean of 3.98 shows that the indicators for trade and financial and material assistance even for the things, industry to a high extent. A rating of 4.07 indicates that which they could do without outside assistance. It has the respondents provide assistance to small business in the been impressed on them that it is the obligation of the community to a high extent. In proper ranked of order the government to give them money as a form of financial following criteria are perceived to a high extent: industrial assistance to the poor. works (4.03); initiating an income-generating hobby The barangay, which is the smallest unit in the political (4.02); food production (3.99); and commercial activities set up is the most reliable partner of the government. It is (3.80). often referred to a “backbone of the nation”. As the basic The findings imply that barangay chairpersons political unit, it serves as the primary planning and have extensive economic achievements in terms of trade implementing unit of government programs, projects and and industry. This could be attributed to the fact that activities. they make an appropriation on livelihood projects like Today, the barangay is not only an institution of animals dispersal, vegetable farming because those kind “participatory democracy” but more significantly the of projects are not suited to their respective communities eventual realization of real people power. It is an evolving [3].

135 American Journal of Educational Research

Table 1. Economic developmental projects of the barangay Table 4 presents the economic developmental projects chairperson in terms of trade and industry of the barangay chairperson of Calapan City in terms of Items Mean Description agriculture. The overall mean of 3.74 for all indicators of 1. Assistance to small business in the 4.07 High Extent agriculture is perceived to a high extent. This can be community. acquired through agricultural production, animal 2. Initiating an income-generating hobby. 4.02 High Extent production, field crop production, fish culture and animal 3. Food production. 3.99 High Extent raising rated as 3.89, 3.83, 3.70, 3.68 and 3.62 4. Industrial works. 4.03 High Extent respectively. All indicators are interpreted to a high extent. 5. Commercial activities. 3.80 High Extent The industries of the farmer and of the fisherfolk have Overall Mean 3.98 High Extent to be sustained through more agricultural projects that would lead to higher yields if food security and Table 2 presents the economic developmental projects opportunities for employment were to be met by the city. of the barangay chairperson of Calapan City in terms of More attention will be required in the development of trade and industry in terms of tourism. As the table agriculture as it has better potentials for the direct indicates, the overall mean of 3.59 shows that in general, upliftment of the living standards and conditions of the the areas of tourism is perceived to a high extent. Ranking populace of Calapan City. indicators are “barangay beautification projects,” being conducted 3.78; “billboard projects,” being conducted Table 4. Economic developmental projects of the barangay 3.59; “establishes plaza and recreational center,” being chairperson in terms of agriculture conducted 3.55; “establishes multi-purpose hall,” being Items Mean Description conducted 3.53; and “establishes waiting sheds,” being 1. Vegetables production. 3.89 High Extent conducted 3.51. The respondents perceive all the 2. Field crop production. 3.70 High Extent indicators to a high extent. 3. Animal production. 3.83 High Extent Findings imply that tourism to be sustained depends on 4. Fish culture. 3.68 High Extent the maintenance of good environment, natural attractions 5. Livestock raising. 3.62 High Extent that continue to be attractive, and that the environment Overall Mean 3.74 High Extent will not lose its capacity to rejuvenate. In implementing sustainable tourism development, the key factor is the Table 5 presents the social developmental projects of tourism carrying capacity of a particular site. This covers the barangay chairperson of Calapan City in terms of the environment including its physical and social aspects. education. The overall mean score of 3.80 indicates, that These are done extensively by the respondents. education as indicator of social achievements is perceived to a high extent. This is back-up by the following project Table 2. Economic developmental projects of the barangay chairperson in terms of tourism activities vocational and skills training, literacy activities, livelihood projects, establishes library and information Items Mean Description center and computer literacy which are rated 4.01, 3.79, 1. Barangay beautification projects. 3.78 High Extent 3.78, 3.74 and 3.6 respectively. All indicators are 2. Establishes of multi-purpose hall. 3.53 High Extent 3. Billboard projects. 3.59 High Extent interpreted to a high extent. The factor that might be 4. Establishes waiting sheds. 3.51 High Extent considered why barangay chairperson contributed on 5. Establishes plaza and recreational center. 3.55 High Extent educational development to a high extent is that this is one Overall Mean 3.59 High Extent priority.

Table 5. Social developmental projects of the barangay chairperson Table 3 presents the economic developmental projects in terms of education of the barangay chairperson of Calapan City in terms of power/energy/communication. The overall mean of 3.73 Items Mean Description implies that, in the whole power/energy/communication is 1. Vocational and skills training. 4.01 High Exten perceived to a high extent. The respondents uniformly 2. Literacy activities. 3.79 High Extent perceived to a high extent the following indicators: 3. Livelihood projects. 3.78 High Extent telephone (3.86); purchases of electric generator (3.81); 4. Computer literacy. 3.67 High Extent streetlights (3.75); radios (3.64); and cellphones (3.60). 5. Establishes library and information center. 3.74 High Extent The findings imply that the respondents perform Overall Mean 3.80 High Extent projects in power/energy/communication extensively. They assured efficient and regular projects for their Table 6 presents the social developmental projects of communities in line in this area. the barangay chairperson of Calapan City in terms of health. The table reveals a high extent rating with an Table 3. Economic developmental projects of the barangay overall mean of 3.80. As the table shows provisions for chairperson in terms of power/energy/communication regular trainings for barangay health workers rated to a Items Mean Description high extent, 4.31; full immunization rated to a high extent, 1. Purchases of electric generator. 3.81 High Extent 4.15; operation timbang rated to a high extent, 3.64; 2. Streetlights. 3.75 High Extent additional medicine supplies and health facilities rated to a 3. Telephone. 3.86 High Extent high extent, 3.58; and family planning services rated to a 4. Radios. 3.64 High Extent high extent, 3.52. Findings reveal that project designs for 5. Cellphones. 3.60 High Extent health improvement of the community are observed and Overall Mean 3.73 High Extent implemented.

American Journal of Educational Research 136

Table 6. Social developmental projects of the barangay chairperson a close coordination between and among members of in terms of health agencies not only within the social services sector but as Items Mean Description well as other sectors involved in development program is 1. Regular trainings for health workers. 4.31 High Extent in order. Furthermore, a more systematic and regular 2. Full immunization. 4.15 High Extent recording and collection of data should be made to 3. Additional medicine supplies and 3.58 High Extent upgrade the delivery of social services. health facilities. One of the foremost basic input requirements for the 4. Family planning services. 3.52 High Extent development of tourism in the area is the improvement of 5. Operation timbang. 3.64 High Extent infrastructure facilities ranging from roads to communication Overall Mean 3.80 High Extent facilities. Manpower training, sanitation and beatification programs as well as information campaigns of the scenic spots while other projects may yield improvement 4. Conclusion and Recommendations caution however, must be taken into consideration in implementing such projects so as not to destroy the natural The barangay is an authority to implements developmental resources or disturbed the ecological balance Effort will projects and programs. Barangay chairperson economic be devoted to the greater processing of raw materials and and social developmental projects in Calapan City are the development of small and medium scale industries extensive. utilizing domestically available resources. Having a high literacy rate, Calapan City populace has a great potential for development if given the opportunities to improve themselves and the proper values References to motivate them. This will not only assure social development but also economic development through [1] Dilay, Antonio (1998). Strengthening the Special Science Classes increased and improved production made possible by the by Adopting the Regional Science High School Curriculum at the active and competent participation of the populace in the Jose J. Leido. Jr. National Memorial High School. DWCC Journal, task of development. Volume 5 (1). [2] Republic Act No. 7160- Local Government Code of 1991. The growing movement of Calapan City from [3] Mendoza, Eugenio V. and Eulogio T. Castillo (2006). The Path to agricultural oriented set up to an agro-industrial economy the Success of Cooperatives. The University of the Philippines calls for supportive measures in the social services. Hence, Press, City.